NEWS AGENCY OF NIGERIA
Rector harps on building insurance resilience amid uncertainty
Economy/Business

Rector harps on building insurance resilience amid uncertainty

248 total views today

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

By Taiye Olayemi

 

Dr Chizoba Ehiogu, Rector of the College of Insurance and Financial Management, has unveiled adaptive strategies to enhance insurance companies’ resilience in times of uncertainty.

 

 

 

Speaking at the 2025 Business Day Insurance Conference on Wednesday in Lagos, Ehiogu stressed the importance of resilience amid weak consumer confidence, persistent inflation, and currency instability.

 

 

 

Addressing the theme, ‘The Business of Insurance: Building Resilience in the Face of Economic Uncertainty’, she urged insurers to explore strategic alliances.

 

 

 

She recommended partnerships with banks, fintech firms, and reinsurers to extend reach, share risks, boost resources, grow market share, and improve credit ratings.

 

 

 

Ehiogu also advised insurance firms to reassess existing portfolios frequently and adjust offerings in line with current economic realities.

 

 

 

“Regularly evaluate products to meet shifting needs. During hardship, offer affordable options to attract cost-conscious customers and boost policy renewals.

 

 

 

“Enhance customer journeys by improving digital interactions and providing personalised services tailored to individual preferences and behaviours,” she said.

 

 

 

She further encouraged the use of data analytics to refine products, improve engagement, foster loyalty, and enhance customer retention.

 

 

 

Ehiogu highlighted the role of human capital and leadership in navigating industry challenges and driving sustainable growth.

 

 

 

She emphasised retaining skilled employees, noting that a motivated workforce is vital for successful adaptation and long-term stability.

 

 

 

“Focus on employee well-being and offer incentives to reduce turnover and maintain essential skills,” she added.

 

 

 

She also stressed the need for resilient leadership capable of managing disruptions and swiftly addressing emerging risks.

 

 

 

“Strong leaders ensure agility, adaptability, and guide strategic responses to enhance market competitiveness,” Ehiogu said.

 

 

 

She recommended attracting top talent in technology and digital innovation through competitive packages and career development opportunities.

 

 

 

On financial performance, Ehiogu noted the importance of sustaining solvency and profitability amid inflation and forex volatility.

 

 

 

“This can be done through strict cost control, especially in claims and administrative processes.

 

 

 

“Streamline operations and use technology to reduce inflationary pressures while supporting profitability and efficiency,” she said.

 

 

 

She added that improving working capital and accelerating cash conversion would also help maintain solvency.

 

 

 

Mr Aminu Tukur, Vice Chairman of Noor Takaful Insurance Ltd., also addressed the event and called for deeper insurance penetration.

 

 

 

He noted that conventional insurance still struggles to reach the grassroots due to trust issues, religious concerns, and affordability challenges. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

 

Edited by Kamal Tayo Oropo

CBEX illegal, unlicensed digital assets exchange – SEC  
Banking

CBEX illegal, unlicensed digital assets exchange – SEC  

556 total views today

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

By Taiye Olayemi

 

 

 

The Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) has stated that Crypto Bridge Exchange (CBEX) was never granted registration to operate as a digital assets exchange in Nigeria.

 

Dr Emomotimi Agama, Director-General of the SEC, said this in a statement on Sunday, while urging the public to cease all dealings with the platform.

 

The warning follows recent reports of CBEX, operating under various names, including ST Technologies International Ltd. and Smart Treasure/Super Technology, soliciting investments with promises of high returns.

 

CBEX has failed to honour withdrawal requests from its subscribers and abruptly closed its physical offices amid mounting complaints.

 

Agama said, “The commission hereby clarifies that neither CBEX nor its affiliates were granted registration by the commission at any time to operate as a Digital Assets Exchange, solicit investments from the public, or perform any other function within the Nigerian capital market.”

 

He said that preliminary investigations carried out by the commission had revealed that CBEX engaged in promotional activities to create a false perception of legitimacy.

 

He noted that this was to entice unsuspecting members of the public into investing monies, with the promise of implausibly high guaranteed returns within a short timeframe.

 

He emphasised that pursuant to the provisions of Section 196 of the Investments and Securities Act 2025, the commission would collaborate with relevant law enforcement agencies to take appropriate enforcement action against CBEX, its affiliates, and promoters.

 

“The commission uses this medium to remind the public to refrain from investing in or dealing with any entity offering unrealistic returns or employing similar recruitment-based investment models.

 

“Prospective investors are advised to verify the registration status of investment platforms through the commission’s dedicated portal: www.sec.gov.ng/cmos before transacting with them,” he said.

 

Agama noted that the commission was launching a more forceful and coordinated enforcement regime against unregistered and illegal “phony” investment schemes, otherwise known as Ponzi schemes.

 

He said that with the newly enacted Investments and Securities Act, 2025 (ISA 2025), the commission now had enhanced powers to prosecute Ponzi schemes and their promoters.

 

He explained that investigations were ongoing on CBEX, adding that promoters of the failed scheme would not go scot-free.

 

Agama said the new law had given the commission more powers and blocked loopholes in emerging areas of virtual and digital assets.

 

“The ISA 2025 has given the commission the legal backing to provide clarity, ensure investor protection, and enhance market confidence, especially in new and previously unregulated segments such as digital asset exchanges and online foreign exchange platforms,” he said.

 

He added that while the apex capital market regulator would continue to support innovations in finance and investments, the commission would maintain strict oversight in line with its enhanced investor’s protection mandate.

 

He said, “We welcome innovation, but it must occur within a regulated environment that protects investors and maintains the integrity of our market.”

 

He recalled that even with the limited scope of the repealed Act, the SEC had maintained extensive surveillance and was able to shut down a number of Ponzi schemes, with some of the promoters, like Fahmzi Interbiz, jailed for defrauding Nigerians.

 

According to him, with the ISA 2025 giving the commission more powers to deal with issues, the commission will ensure that promoters of such schemes are not allowed to operate.(NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

 

Edited by Olawunmi Ashafa

NAICOM urges tech-driven rural insurance growth
Economy/Business

NAICOM urges tech-driven rural insurance growth

343 total views today

 

 

 

By Taiye Olayemi

 

The National Insurance Commission (NAICOM) has urged insurance stakeholders to unite in using technology to deepen rural insurance penetration across Nigeria.

 

 

 

Mr Olusegun Omosehin, NAICOM’s Commissioner for Insurance, made the call on Wednesday at the 2025 Business Day Insurance Conference in Lagos.

 

 

 

The conference was themed: ‘Resilience and Growth in Uncertainty: Charting the Path for Nigeria’s Insurance Industry’.

 

 

 

Omosehin was represented by Mr Ekerete Ola Gam-Ikon, NAICOM’s Deputy Commissioner for Finance and Administration.

 

 

 

He stressed the need for collaboration among insurers, regulators, and policymakers to foster growth within the insurance industry.

 

 

 

Omosehin proposed three strategies to deepen rural penetration: innovate for inclusion; enhance regulatory systems; and promote an insurance culture.

 

 

 

He said, “Technology must be leveraged to reach the underserved in rural areas, informal sectors, and younger populations.

 

 

 

“Microinsurance, digital platforms, and inclusive products should shape our future approach.

 

 

 

“As we grow, we must build accountable systems that use data, protect consumers, and prioritise transparency.

 

 

 

“True penetration means cultural adoption. Insurance must be seen as a tool for stability, not a burden.”

 

 

 

He urged stakeholders to unite for a future where every Nigerian can confidently say, “I am covered.”

 

 

 

The Commissioner highlighted insurance as vital to building national resilience in uncertain times.

 

 

 

He said, “The conference’s theme is timely, reflecting today’s risks and emerging opportunities.

 

 

 

“This event shows our shared commitment to advancing Nigeria’s insurance industry in a complex world.”

 

 

 

He noted the sector faces challenges like geopolitical instability, climate risks, digital shifts, and economic changes.

 

 

 

“Still, one thing is clear – insurance plays a crucial role in national resilience,” he stated.

 

 

 

He added, “All stakeholders must act. This industry touches all sectors and is the largest employer in Nigeria.”

 

 

 

Omosehin outlined NAICOM’s regulatory efforts and its partnerships with government and industry to increase insurance reach.

 

 

 

Mr Tayo Fagbule, Editor at BusinessDay Media Ltd., said the conference aimed to push penetration beyond 1 per cent.

 

 

 

He said the industry must become a cornerstone of economic stability, inclusive growth, and development.

 

 

 

“Through this platform, we seek ideas that will become impactful policies, products, and partnerships,” Fagbule stated.

 

 

 

Meanwhile, Rosetta Aryeetey of Leadway Assurance Plc stressed demystifying insurance to boost public understanding and awareness. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

 

Edited by Kamal Tayo Oropo

Access Holdings reports N642bn profit in 2024  
Economy/Business

Access Holdings reports N642bn profit in 2024  

283 total views today

 

 

 

 

By Taiye Olayemi

Access Holdings Plc. says it generated N642.22 billion as profit for the year ended Dec. 31, 2024.

 

 

 

This is a 3.7 per cent increase from the N619.32 billion it generated in 2023.

 

 

 

The company made this known in a corporate disclosure through the Nigerian Exchange Group on Wednesday in Lagos.

 

 

 

It also proposed a final dividend of N2.05 per ordinary share on its proposed 53,317,838,433 ordinary shares of 50 kobo each.

 

 

 

The Profit before Tax (PBT) increased to N867.02 billion, up from the N729 billion recorded a year earlier.

 

 

 

The group also reported a surge in gross earnings of N4.878 trillion from the N2.594 trillion reported in 2023.

 

 

 

It equally recorded N3.760 billion total equity in the year under review, an increase from N2.185 billion recorded in 2023.

 

 

 

Its earnings per share remained at N1, 671 for the two years running. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

 

 

Edited by Chidi Opara

 

Great Wall of China: A symbol of resilience, unity of purpose
Culture & Tourism , Features

Great Wall of China: A symbol of resilience, unity of purpose

498 total views today

 

 

 

 

By Busayo Onijala, News Agency of Nigeria (NAN)

 

When the Great Wall of China was built, it was to serve as a reinforcement, protecting the Chinese empire from invasions and raids by nomadic groups from the north, particularly the Xiongnu and Mongols.

 

It served as a strategic military tool with watchtowers, allowing soldiers to monitor approaching threats. This enabled military forces to prepare defence or engage the enemy in a timely manner.

 

Asides being a military tool, it served various economic and political functions such as preventing unauthorised migration and embodying imperial authority.

 

However, more than 2,000 years later, it has become a UNESCO World Heritage Site (1987) and a cultural treasure of the Chinese people, welcoming millions of tourists yearly.

 

 

 

This landmark is the longest man-made structure, spanning over 20,000km and with over seven sections to visit from, including Mutianyu, Juyongguan, Badaling and Jiankou.

 

Standing on the foot of the wall from the Juyongguan section, it seems much more complex to understand the construction.

 

Words of Chairman Mao Zedong, founder of modern China, “不去长城 非好汉” (you are not a hero until you climb the Great Wall)

 

 

 

The name Juyong means ‘Army Garrison Pass’, a reflection of its role as Beijing’s ancient northwestern shield.

 

Unlike most modern structures built by machines and the newest technologies, the Great Wall was built manually by millions of hands including those of peasant labourers, soldiers and prisoners who faced extreme conditions.

 

Each brick on the wall is a testament to the workers’ determination to build something that would protect their homeland and future generations.

 

Climbing the steep steps of the wall and navigating levels where it seems to rise sharply against the mountains reminds one of the difficulties that those who built it must have endured.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Argentinian journalist, Mr Hernan Russo, said that climbing the Great Wall and reaching the 12th level was a wonderful experience.

 

“This place is thousands of years old, and I thought about the number of people who lost their lives climbing the stones through thousands of kilometers to build it.

 

“In fact, there is a fact that hit me. Some say the great wall is one of the largest cemeteries in the world because millions of people died building it.

 

“Here I am walking on it, over 2,000 years later, with my camera.”

 

He said he was grateful for the experience to climb the wall because it made him to think about how immense and ephemeral life could be.

 

According to Russo, this is why every step on the wall should be enjoyed.

 

A Nigerian journalist on a media exchange programme in Beijing said that the panoramic landscape between levels of the Great Wall was marvellous.

 

“Meanwhile, it is easy to imagine the exhaustion and strain the builders must have gone through as they laboured on the wall day after day.

 

“Personally, every step I took on the wall was like a victory, a sense of achievement, as I overcame physical obstacles in front of me,” she said.

 

She said that the obstacles made her to reflect on her own personal struggles, particularly when tasks seemed insurmountable.

 

“Just like those who built the wall, we often face difficulties that demand much endurance and strength to push forward.”

 

The Chairman Mao Zedong, Founder of modern China, made a famous statement, “不去长城 非好汉”. This translates to either: “you are not a hero until you climb the Great Wall” or “he who has not been to the Great Wall is not a true man”.

 

Words of Chairman Mao Zedong, founder of modern China, “不去长城 非好汉” (you are not a hero until you climb the Great Wall)

A Kenyan journalist, Brian Ngugi, believes that anyone who climbs the wall and gets to the top is resilient.

 

Describing the wall as majestic, Ngugi urged prospective visitors willing to climb the wall to make sure they are fit, wear comfortable shoes and be ready for an exciting experience.

 

“You might not really be sure whether you will be able to get to the top because the steps are too many and very steep, but with a lot of patience, you can reach the top.

 

“Indeed, I agree, as they say: ‘You are not a great man if you haven’t been to the Great Wall’,” he said.

 

A Slovene journalist, Mojca Pisek, said the Great Wall represents a chapter of history that shaped China.

 

She said history could be a good teacher if one could be a good student, noting that the wall was a great piece of China’s past that everyone could appreciate.

 

“To anyone coming here, keep going, listen to your body and take plenty of stops, because once you make a stop and you have a breath or two, that energises you, and then you can keep going.

 

“Unless you have a health condition, you can always keep going and get to the top,” she said.

 

Analysts observe that in spite of the passage of time, erosion, and pressures from tourism, the Great Wall still stands strong in different sections, offering lessons to generations about the value of endurance, persistence, strength of mind, and unity of purpose.

 

They believe that, like the millions of workers who built the Great Wall, everyone has the power to face adversity, push forward and make their own marks on the sands of time. (NANFeatures)

 

***If used, please credit the writer and the News Agency of Nigeria

China, Africa unite for shared global future
Foreign

China, Africa unite for shared global future

264 total views today

 

By Busayo Onijala

China says it is ready to work with Africa to oppose hegemonism, unilateralism, and protectionism while advancing the collective rights of the Global South.

 

 

 

Xue Bing, China’s Special Envoy for Horn of Africa Affairs, made this known during a seminar hosted by China Foreign Affairs University (CFAU) in Beijing.

 

 

 

The seminar, under the theme ‘Building China-Africa Community with a Shared Future’, included African diplomats in China and a delegation of heads of African diplomatic academies.

 

 

 

Xue stressed the role of young diplomats in shaping a shared future, describing China-Africa friendship as a towering tree supporting generations of dreamers in diplomacy.

 

 

 

He noted that China and Africa, as key parts of the Global South, must cooperate to resolve development challenges and reduce the global development gap.

 

 

 

Xue advocated for an equal and orderly multipolar world rooted in international rules, jointly upheld by China and Africa under the UN charter.

 

 

 

He urged both regions to remain committed to multilateralism and promote an international system that reflects equity, fairness, and mutual respect.

 

 

 

With global uncertainty rising, Xue called for true multilateralism and a just global governance system to address the world’s shared challenges.

 

 

 

He said the world faces a critical juncture, with urgent questions about how to build a better, fairer international order.

 

 

 

According to Xue, hegemony enforced through threats or tariffs harms legitimate interests, violates WTO rules, and weakens the multilateral trading system.

 

 

 

Amb. Wang Shihting, CPC Committee Secretary of CFAU, urged nations to draw lessons from World War II and promote global justice and peace.

 

 

 

Wang said 2025, marking 80 years since WWII’s end, is a time to reflect and support fairness and peace in global affairs.

 

 

 

He said China’s initiatives — such as the Belt and Road and the global development plan — offer solutions for collective global progress.

 

 

 

Wang referenced the 2024 Forum on China-Africa Cooperation summit, highlighting shared goals between China and Africa.

 

 

 

These goals include modernisation and building a high-level China-Africa community with a shared future.

 

 

 

He said CFAU plays a key role, being the only university directly under China’s Foreign Affairs Ministry and part of the “Double First-Class” initiative.

 

 

 

Founded in 1955, CFAU trains top-tier diplomatic talents with multidisciplinary expertise to serve China’s foreign service and international engagement.

 

 

 

Wang noted CFAU has partnerships with 182 universities in 73 countries and hopes to expand links with African institutions.

 

 

 

He stressed that amid complex global tensions, young diplomats must play a key role in supporting peace and sustainable development.

 

 

 

Amb. Vuyelwa Maud Dlomo of South Africa praised CFAU for hosting the China-Africa diplomatic academy forum as part of WWII anniversary events.

 

 

 

She emphasised the need to prioritise solidarity, equality, and sustainability in building a fairer global system.

 

 

 

Dlomo said these values are essential to overcoming barriers that hinder the Global South’s development and progress.

 

 

 

She stated that Africa and China are vital partners in creating a shared, prosperous future for all nations.

 

 

 

Global challenges, she noted, demand cooperation, as success is never achieved in isolation.

 

 

 

To this end, she urged strong support for multilateralism and global governance institutions as pillars of global peace and prosperity. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

 

Edited by Kamal Oropo

NMA advocates end to casualisation of doctors
Health

NMA advocates end to casualisation of doctors

631 total views today

 

By Oluwafunke Ishola

 

 

 

The Nigerian Medical Association (NMA) has appealed to the Federal and state governments to immediately stop casualisation of doctors working in public hospitals across the country.

 

 

 

 

 

NMA’s first Vice-President, Dr Benjamin Olowojebutu, made the appeal in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Lagos on Wednesday.

 

 

 

Olowojebutu contended that ending casualisation of doctors would help to check brain drain and restore sanity to the health sector.

 

 

 

“All doctors working in public hospitals must be given permanent and pensionable employment after a clearly defined probation period.

 

“Temporary contracts must not exceed one year,” Olowojebutu said.

 

 

 

Casualisation is employing professionals on temporary or contract bases without job security, benefits or career progression.

 

 

 

Olowojebutu lamented that casualisation had become the norm rather than the exception for medical doctors in Nigeria, particularly in state-owned hospitals and teaching institutions.

 

 

 

“Young doctors are hired as a locum or contract staff with no pension, no health insurance, and salaries that are slashed arbitrarily.

 

 

 

“Many work under this exploitative arrangement for years, with no hope of confirmation or permanent employment.

 

 

 

“These doctors are treated like expendable tools—recruited when needed and discarded without explanation.

 

 

 

“How can a government that claims to value healthcare allow such inhumane conditions persist?

 

 

 

“How can a system demand excellence from doctors while offering them crumbs and chaos in return?,” he queried.

 

 

 

According to him, the current reality shows that Nigerian doctors are not valued by their government.

 

 

 

He said that many doctors also faced victimisation when they spoke up or demanded better working conditions.

 

 

 

Olowojebutu added that those who participated in legitimate industrial actions were often blacklisted and their salaries withheld for months.

 

 

 

“In many teaching hospitals, resident doctors are treated like slaves—overworked, underpaid, and subjected to the whims of vindictive supervisors.

 

 

 

“Promotions are politicised. Disciplinary actions are wielded like weapons. And when doctors dare to push back, they are punished with punitive postings or, worse still, summary dismissals.

 

 

 

“This climate of fear and oppression breeds despair,” Olowojebutu said.

 

 

 

Olowojebutu emphasised that the consequence of these systematic abuse is the mass emigration of Nigerian doctors.

 

 

 

He cited data from NMA which showed that over 2,000 doctors leave Nigeria annually.

 

 

 

According to him, the UK’s General Medical Council (GMC) database shows that over 12,000 Nigerian-trained doctors are currently practicing in the UK.

 

 

 

“The scary number continues to rise every month.

 

 

 

“This brain drain is not just a loss for the medical community—it is a death sentence for millions of Nigerians who rely on public hospitals,” he said.

 

 

 

He stressed that it was troubling to note that an entire local government had no resident doctors, adding that emergency response times have worsened and mortality rates increasing.

 

 

 

Olowojebutu urged the government to guarantee job security and respect for rights of doctors, and improved remuneration and working conditions to enhance the health sector.

 

He emphasised that heads of institutions that victimise doctors should be investigated and sanctioned.

 

He also called for the establishment of an independent grievance redress system for medical professionals.

 

 

 

Olowojebutu further called for increased budgetary allocation to the health sector and ensure transparent utilisation of funds to boost quality, accessible and efficient healthcare services for citizens. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

 

Edited by Yetunde Fatungase and Benson Iziama

Experts advocate improved laboratory analysis for food fortification
Health

Experts advocate improved laboratory analysis for food fortification

333 total views today

 

 

 

 

By Oluwafunke Ishola

 

 

Dr Adeyemi Opeoluwa, Director Scientific, Institute of Public Analysts of Nigeria (IPAN), has called for improved investment in laboratory regulatory capacity to advance food micronutrient analysis.

 

 

 

Opeoluwa said this at the graduation of the third cohort of the Laboratory Analysis of Food Micronutrients (LAoFM) Course on Wednesday in Lagos.

 

 

 

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the LAoFM course was jointly developed by the Global Alliance for Improved Nutrition (GAIN) and IPAN, with funding from the Gates Foundation.

 

 

 

The course was designed to strengthen competencies and capabilities in laboratory analysis of food micronutrients, in support of Nigeria’s Large-Scale Food Fortification (LSFF) programme.

 

 

 

Opeoluwa emphasised that the LAoFM e-learning course was a transformative intervention in combating hidden hunger and improving the quality of food fortification in Nigeria.

 

 

 

According to him, LAoFM builds the analytical skills of laboratory professionals to verify, standardise, and strengthen fortification efforts.

 

 

 

He noted that without proper testing, fortified food may fail to meet health objectives, thus calling for the integration of LAoFM into national strategies for nutrition and food safety.

 

 

 

Opeoluwa also called for multisectoral partnerships to sustain food safety, emphasising the need for quality data to enhance the decision-making process.

 

 

 

Similarly, Ifunfun Akinduro, Head of Operations, GAIN Nigeria, said the LAoFM course had enrolled 51 candidates across intermediate and advanced levels since its inception over four years ago.

 

Akinduro said participants of the course were key stakeholders in Nigeria’s food fortification landscape, including professionals from PZ Wilmar, Apple and Pears, Sunola and Flour Mills of Nigeria, among others.

 

She said the course prepared the graduates to meet international standards, as demonstrated by their successful completion of the ISO/IEC 17024:2012 aligned certification examination.

 

“To our graduates, you are more than just the latest beneficiaries of this programme, you are ambassadors and standard-bearers.

 

“Your achievement today signals to the industry and the public that we are building a skilled, competent and forward-thinking workforce to safeguard our food systems,” she said.

 

Mr Aliyu Angara, Registrar of IPAN, said LAoFM was an indication of shared commitment to addressing the challenges of malnutrition and hidden hunger in the country.

 

Angara, represented by Christian Eboh, Director at the Institute, said IPAN would continue to work assiduously to achieve the objectives and sustainability of the course to impact nutrition, food quality and security. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

 

Edited by Dorcas Jonah/Vivian Ihechu

Tinubu inaugurates national census committee, gives 3-week deadline for report
General News

Tinubu inaugurates national census committee, gives 3-week deadline for report

245 total views today

 

 

 

 

By Salif Atojoko

President Bola Tinubu on Wednesday inaugurated a high-level committee on the forthcoming national population and housing census.

The President tasked the committee to submit an interim report within three weeks, Mr Bayo Onanuga, his spokesman, said in a statement.

The President said the census was crucial for national development, accurate planning, and effective decision-making in healthcare, education, security, and economic planning.

Nigeria’s last census, which was conducted in 2006, nearly two decades ago, recorded a population of 140,431,790, with 71,345,488 males and 69,086,302 females.

Tinubu stressed the pivotal role of a technology-driven process in ensuring credible and verifiable results and the need for collaboration among all relevant agencies and stakeholders.

Underscoring the critical financing factor in the exercise, he enjoined the members to look at domestic and even international resources.

“Work with all relevant agencies, including the Ministry of Budget and Economic Planning. This ministry has to take charge of this because you cannot budget if you do not know how many we are.

“We expect you will touch on the technology area because the census must be technology-driven. Things have changed since the last time that we conducted this exercise.

“The enumeration has to be technology-driven with biometrics and digitalisation,” he said.

Tinubu was represented at the event at the State House, Abuja, by Hon. Femi Gbajabiamila, his Chief of Staff.

Sen. Atiku Bagudu, the Minister of Budget and Economic Planning, who chairs the Presidential Committee on Population and Housing Census, assured the President that the committee would deliver its report within the three-week deadline.

The minister recalled President Tinubu’s advice to ministers during their retreat in 2023, urging them to think creatively and work with the resources available, even under harsh economic conditions.

Bagudu noted that despite global economic challenges, Nigeria was making steady progress under President Tinubu’s leadership, citing improved foreign exchange stability and a positive growth trajectory.

He said the committee would recommend practical solutions, including strategies for mobilising domestic and international resources to fund the census.

Alhaji Muhammed Idris, the Minister of Information, also a committee member, emphasised that accurate data was critical for planning across all sectors and that a credible census was the foundation for such data.

Mr Nasir Kwarra, the National Population Commission Chairman, who will also serve as the committee secretary, said the commission had already begun preparations for the census in collaboration with relevant stakeholders.

According to him, the focus has been on identifying key requirements and laying the groundwork necessary for the President to make an informed decision on the actual conduct of the census.

Kwarra assured Nigerians that the National Population Commission remained committed to ensuring a credible, technology-driven enumeration that would support effective national planning and development.

The eight-member committee also includes the Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, the Chairman of the Federal Inland Revenue Service, and the Director General of the National Identity Management Commission.

Others are: the Principal Private Secretary to the President, and the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Administration and Operations (Office of the Chief of Staff). (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

 

Edited by Chinyere Joel-Nwokeoma

Minister advocates media literacy to combat fake news, misinformation, disinformation
General News

Minister advocates media literacy to combat fake news, misinformation, disinformation

302 total views today

 

 

 

 

By Angela Atabo

 

Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, on Tuesday advocated media literacy to combat the spread of fake news, misinformation and disinformation.

 

Idris said this at the second edition of the Spokespersons Summit, organised by the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations (NIPR) in Abuja on Tuesday.

 

He urged the spokespersons to embrace information and media literacy, a composite concept adopted by UNESCO in 2008, combining the competencies of information literacy and media literacy.

 

“Today, in a world where everyone is a spokesperson, whether a PR practitioner or a chief executive in the public and private spaces, the imperative for media literacy becomes ever more paramount.

 

“This is because it equips individuals with the tools to decipher, analyse and evaluate messages conveyed through various media channels, enabling the latitude to make informed decisions and engage with media content responsibly.

 

“Lately, due to the lack of media literacy , the inability to analyse and contextualise media content in order to verify authenticity, public officers, and indeed the general public, have become prone to the cankerworm of fake news, misinformation and disinformation.

 

“Through media literacy practices, we will continue to grow the capacity to evaluate news articles, identify potential biases, assess the reliability of sources, adapt to fact-checking and information verification mechanisms.”

 

This, Idris said, would enable Nigerians to distinguish between accurate reporting and misleading content, thus making informed decisions about news consumed and the quality of what is disseminated.

 

He advised public officers to refrain from becoming malleable to misleading content and being easily swayed by falsehoods or biased narratives.

 

Also speaking, Rep. Abbas Tajudeen, Speaker of the House of Representatives, said that effective leadership communication is key to improving public perceptions of governmental institutions.

 

Tajudeen said that was why the House took concrete steps to make its legislative processes more accessible thereby demonstrating a vibrant, accessible institution committed to restoring public trust.

 

“There is significant potential for a stronger partnership between the NIPR and the National Assembly.

 

“We can work together to launch public orientation campaigns that explain how policies are created and showcase the important role of parliament and enhance public understanding and reduce negative perceptions.”

 

Tajudeen appreciated NIPR for honouring of receiving the NIPR Fellowship and pledge to uphold transparency, integrity, and ethical communication in every aspect of his role as speaker of the House.

 

In his keynote address, Chief Olusegun Osoba, former Governor of Ogun, urged spokespersons not to be carried away by sentiments and emotions in the line of duty.

 

Osoba encouraged them to be sociable, lovable, well mannered and grounded in what they do to promote national unity and nation building.

 

The Chairman of the Occasion,Chief Edem Duke, Former Minister of Culture and Tourism and Supervising Minister of Information, described spokespersons as the most endangered persons in the public sector.

 

Duke described spokespersons as the face of organisations and urged them to stand for integrity and professionalism and be guided by ethics and synergise to come up with policies to move the profession forward.

 

The President and Chairman of Council,NIPR, Dr Ike Neliaku , said the Nigeria Spokespersons Summit (NSS), brought together spokespersons and other stakeholders to exchange ideas, foster collaboration, dissect new trends and acquire new skills.

 

Neliaku said this was important because spokesperson shapes public perception and ensures the timely delivery of the right messages to the appropriate audiences.

 

“As the regulatory body for Public Relations (PR) practice in Nigeria, The Institute has the duty of ensuring that professional best practices, integrity, and ethical standards are upheld at all times in PR practice in Nigeria.

 

“That is why NIPR is launching the Nigerian Spokespersons Charter and Practice Code(SCPC).

 

“The two core objectives of the SCPC are to: Provide an enabling instrument for spokespersons to properly understand, and be well guided by the public relations core essence.

 

“This includes building reputation, managing perceptions, cultivating goodwill, promoting trust, fostering understanding, encouraging friendship, with mutual respect, and strengthening relationship, within and outside their operating environment.

 

“It will also help principals and leaders to understand the professional functionality of their spokespersons, and measure their performances, in line with the established standards and content of this charter.”

 

Neliaku added that the summit was also aimed at conferring fellowship of the Institute on deserving and outstanding Nigerians among other activities.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

 

Edited by Nkiru Ifeajuna/Deji Abdulwahab

X
Welcome to NAN
Need help? Choose an option below and let me be your assistant.
Email SubscriptionSite SearchSend Us Email